How to Play Backgammon Online

Backgammon is one of the oldest board games, and for most of its history it needed two people at one table. Today your opponent can be on the other side of the world, or it can be the computer itself. This guide is for two kinds of readers: complete beginners, and experienced board players who are about to play their first game on a screen.

Why play online at all?

Online play does not replace the wooden board. Many strong players still enjoy the sound of the dice and the face of an opponent across the table. What the internet adds is convenience: a game is available at any hour, you do not have to arrange a meeting, and a short match can fit into a few spare minutes. You also meet a far wider range of opponents than any local club can offer.

Step 1. Learn the rules first

The rules online are exactly the same as on a real board. If you are new to the game, read our backgammon rules before you start. The software will not let you make an illegal move, which helps, but it will not explain why a move is good or bad.

Step 2. Get to know the screen

Most backgammon programs and websites share a similar layout:

The board is drawn from your side, with your home board usually in the lower right or lower left corner. Many programs let you flip the direction of play if you prefer.
The roll button (or a click on the board) throws the dice. Some programs roll for you automatically when you have no decision to make.
Moving is done by dragging a checker or by clicking it. Often a single click moves a checker by the higher die and a second click by the other.
Undo lets you take back a move until you confirm the turn. Use it freely: confirming is what ends your turn.
The pip count shows how many points each side still has to travel. At the start of a game both players need 167 pips.
The clock: many online games limit the time per move or per match. Watch it, especially in your first games.
The score shows the match length and how many points each player has.

Step 3. Play the computer

A game against a computer opponent is the gentlest start. Nobody is waiting for you, you can take your time, and many programs offer hints that show which move they would choose for the roll you have. Free programs such as GNU Backgammon can also analyse your game afterwards and mark the moves where you lost the most.

Step 4. Your first game, step by step

Choose a short match. A 1-point or 3-point match is ideal for a first game.
The opening roll. Each side rolls one die and the higher number moves first, using both dice. Our page of recommended first moves shows a good reply to each opening roll.
The middle game. Try to make points (two or more checkers together) in front of your opponent's back checkers, and avoid leaving single checkers within easy reach of his.
Hits and the bar. If you are hit, the program places your checker on the bar. On your next turn it will only allow moves that bring that checker back in.
Bearing off. When all your checkers are home, the program allows you to remove them. Drag a checker off the board or click it.
Review. After the game, look back at the moves you were unsure about. This habit improves your play faster than anything else.

Step 5. Play other people

When the rules feel natural, move on to human opponents. Most sites have a lobby or a list of rooms where you can invite a player or accept an invitation. Players usually carry a rating that rises when they win and falls when they lose. Treat it as a rough guide only: a strong player who has just joined will have a beginner's rating for a while.

A few simple courtesies go a long way: greet your opponent, do not leave in the middle of a match, and use the clock fairly. Watching games between stronger players is also allowed on most sites and is an excellent way to learn.

Keep it a game

You do not need to spend anything to play backgammon online. Free programs and free games against people offer everything a learner needs. Practise regularly, review your mistakes and enjoy the company of players from all over the world.